Automatic feed control for carbide generators



April 11, 1933. v My E 1,903,726

AUQOMATIC FEED CONTROL FOR CARBIDE GENERATORS Filed Feb. 6, 1953 Patented Apr. 11, 1933 PATENT err-tea LESLIE IVI. WISE; OF'MCKEESPORT,PENNSYLVANIA AUTOMATIC FEED CONTROL FOR'CARBIDE GENERATORS Application filed February 6, 1933.

This invention relates to an automatic feed control for a carbide generator, and it is primarily an object of the invention to provide a mechanism of this kind which operates to advantage to seal the discharge or delivery opening of the carbide hopper in the event the pressure in the generating hopper or chamber should pass a predetermined degree or in'the event such pressure should become it too high.

Another object of the invention isto provide a mechanism of this kind which operates automatically to provide a safety feature to step the discharge of the carbide from the hopper should the generating chamber or hopper attain a high pressure and also to close the discharge opening of the carbide hopper should the pressure of the generator become high.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of this kind which is par-* ticularly adapted for use in connection with a carbide gas generator of a portable type and wherein the mechanism provides means 25 to assure the effective closing of the discharge opening of the carbide hopper i-n the-event the generator should be knocked over or assume a position materially to one side of the vertical which would otherwise allow the e water within the generatingchamberor hopper to pass into the carbide hopper through the discharge opening...

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved automatic feed control for a carbide generator whereby certain important advantages are attainedand the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of myinvention. will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, 1 will now proceed to describe the same with referenceto the accompanying drawing, whereinz- Figure .1 is a vertical sectional view taken 50 through a carbide hopper of a carbide gas generator illustrating a mechanism con Serial No. (555,505.

structed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention, the associated portion of the generator chamber or hopper being shown in fragment;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in top r plan.

As disclosed inthe accompanying drawing, G denotes a generator hopper of a conventional type but which is preferably of such a size as to be readily transported from one location to another. This generator has in communication therewith the regular carryoif pipe 1 for the gas and also having a conventional filling opening 2.

This filling opening Qis normally closed by a conventional safety valve 3. The upper. end of the hopper G is provided with a restricted neck 4 to which is adapted to. be threaded or otherwise fixedly attached an annular flange 5 depending from the conoidal bottom 6 of the carbide hopper C. The apex portion of this bottom 6 is cut away to provide a discharge opening 7 through which the carbide from the hopper C is discharged intothe generator hopper G. It is to be noted that the flange 5, which is concentric to the opening 7, is materially spaced from such opening and that the neck 4: of the generator hopper G is of approximately the same diameter. This is of advantage as it assures no undue hinderance or obstruction to the flow of the carbide from the hopper C down into the generator hopper Gr. 7

The top wall 8 of the hopper C is provided with a relatively large opening 9 defined by a flange 10 extending above and below the wall 8. The lower portion of this flange 10 is provided with an inwardly directed annular flange 11 which forms a shoulder or ledge to which is effectively clamped the marginal portion of a diaphragm 12 of any suitable effective material. A plug 14 threads within the flange 10 from without and 'has desired clamping engagement with the diaphragm 12. Upon removal of this plug 14 the diaphragm can be readily removed for replacement or for other purposes as may be desired.

The central portion of the diaphragm 12 has disposed therethrough the upper portion of a stem 15 which is also freely directed through the central part of the plug 14. This portion of the stem 15 has threaded thereon above and below the diaphragm 12 the clamping nuts 16 whereby the stem 15 and the diaphragm 12 are effectively connected.

The diaphragm 12 is preferably of a rubber compound although I do not wish to limit myself to this particular material. The central portion of this diaphragm 12 has positioned thereabove and in contact therewith a relatively large flexib e member 17 of leather or kindred relatively stiff material possessing however a certain degree of inherent flexibility so as to offer no undue resistance to the desired flexure of the diaphragm 12. This member 17 has the stem 15 directed therethrough and is also clamped in position by the nuts 16.

The stem 15 is also of a length to project below the carbide hopper C through the discharge opening 7 although of course the portion of the stem working through this opening 7 is of a diameter materially less than the diameter of the opening so that proper flow of the carbide through the opening 7 is assured.

Below the hopper C the stem 15 has threaded thereon the valve member 18 which is herein disclosed as conoidal in form and which is effectively maintained in selective adjusted position upon the stem 15 through the instrumentality of the lock nut 19. The adjustment of this valve member 18 is to effeet a regulation of the discharge from the hopper C in accordance with the size of the carbide particles as well as otherwise regulating or controlling the flow of the carbide through such opening 7.

When the stem 15 is sufficiently raised the valve member 18 contacts with the wall a of the opening 7 said wall constituting of course a seat for the valve. In such position flow of the carbide from the hopper C is effectively closed as is also said hopper C closed against ingress of water or gas through such opening.

Within the hopper C the stem 15 has threaded thereon a second valve member 20 held in desired selective position by a lock nut 21. This valve is only operative in the event the normal supporting structure or mechanism for the stem 15 should become ineffective and under which condition the stem 15 will drop to bring this valve member 20 into closing position with respect to the discharge opening 7 of the hopper C.

The plug 14 as herein disclosed is provided with an outstanding bracket 22 to which is pivotally connected, as at 23, an end portion of a lever 24. This lever 24 is directed through a slot 25 provided in the upper portion of the stem 15 and the part of the lever 24 within this slot 25 is pivotally connected, as at 26, to the stem 15 so that upon swinging or oscillating movement of the lever 24 the stem 15 will have endwise movement for a purpose to be hereinafter referred to.

The lever 24 extends a predetermined distance beyond the stem 15 and its outer or free end portion is provided with an upwardly facing cup or pocket 27 providing a concave surface in which is adapted to be seated a hall or member 28 of desired weight.

The weight of the ball or member 28 is such to normally maintain the lever 24 substantially horizontal or in such position to normally maintain the valve member 18 in desired open position.

The upper portion of the hopper C carries an upstanding bracket 29 having a part 30 overlying the outer free end portion of the lever 24 at a desired distance thereabove. This part 30 has threaded therethrough a shank 31, thelower end portion of which carries a spring 32.v The lower portion of the spring 32 carries a plate 33. This plate 33 together with the spring 32 are positioned directly above the member or ball 28 when in applied position upon the lever 24 with the plate 33 only slightly spaced from the applied ball or member 28 when the lever 24 is in its desired normal position. The spacing of this plate 33 with respect to the applied member or ball 28 may be varied as desired by proper adjustment of the shank 31.

The top wall 8 of the hopper G at a suit-- able point thereon is provided with a filling opening 34 normally closed by a safety valve In the present embodiment of my invention under normal conditions when the valve 18 is in desired open position and the ball or member 28 is placed in desired position upon the lever 24 the diaphragm 12 will withstand a pressure of 13 pounds. As the pressure of the gas within the generator rises the diaphragm 12 of course will be upwardly or outwardly flexed resulting in an outward or upward movement of the stem 15. Should the pressure of the generator reach 15 pounds at that time the ball or member 28 will come into contact with the plate 33 carried by the spring 32.

When the ball or member 28 comes into contact with the plate 33 the valve 18 will be brought suificiently close to its seat a to prevent the discharge of carbide through the opening7 into the generator hopper or chamber G. With the generator working under proper conditions this closing of the opening 7 will prevent further discharge of carbide to the generator hopper or chamber until the pressure of the generator has dropped down to 13 pounds whereupon the weighted ball or member 28 will assure the return of the lever 24 to its normal position with the resultant desired opening of the valve 18.

In the event the pressure of the generator exceeds 15 pounds, the tension of the spring 32 will be overcome whereupon the valve 18 will tightly engage its seat a and thereby effectively close off carbide hopper C against further entrance of gas therein so that under normal working conditions of the generator the ball or member 28 will not become displaced. It is to be stated, however, that during the normal operation of the generator it is only in rare instances that the pressure will exceed 15 pounds. In such event, however, there will be suflicient lea age of gas between the valve 18 and its seat a as the pressure in the generator hopper or chamber G decreases to allow in a little while a reduction of the pressure in the hopper C. It may be further stated that under normal conditions the plate 33 constitutes a stop to prevent full closing of the valve 18 should the generator pressure slightly exceed 13 pounds.

While I have hereinbefore particularly referred to a 13 pound pressure as offered by the applied weighted member or ball 28, it is to be understood that this pressure or resistance may be varied as the requirements of practice may prefer and in accordance with the character of the work desired.

The generator herein disclosed is of a portable type and, therefore, it is at all times liable to be overturned to an extent sufficient to bring the level of the water within the chamber G above the opening 7 of the hopper C. However, by my improved device as herein disclosed should the generator be overturned the member or ball 28 will become displaced whereupon the pressure of the generator irrespective of its degree will immediately cause the valve 18 to tightly engage its seat a and thereby effecting a Watertight closing of the opening 7. This of course will effectively prevent entrance of water within the carbide hopper or chamber C.

While the member 17 serves to strengthen and reinforce the central part of the diaphragm 12, in the event such diaphragm should break this member 17 will then serve as a vane or baffle to resist the generator pressure to effect the desired movement of the stem 15. While the operation of the Stem 15 under the influence of this member 17 alone may not be as efiective as the normal functioning of the diaphragm 12 yet it is of advantage and importance in the case of an emergency.

It is found of advantage to provide means for positively limiting the normal position of the plate 33 under the action of the spring 32 and as disclosed in the accompanying drawing this movement is positively limited by contact of the plate 33 with the outstand- 29:. However, I wish it to be understood that I do not particularly limit myself to lugs as other means may be provided to equal advantage.

In transporting the generator or during such periodswhen it is desired not to have the generator function without removing the carbide hopper it is only necessary that the outer or free end portion of the lever 24; be held against swinging or oscillating movement in a direction toward the hopper C after the valve 18 has been brought into watertight closed position. As herein disclosed this locking of the lever 24 is accomplished through the medium of a holding lever 37 suitably mounted upon the bracket 29.

It is believed to be clearly obvious from the foregoing description that the weighted member or ball 28 is free to move in any direction from its mounting, said mounting as disclosed in the accompanying drawing being comprised in the convex surface or pocket 27. In stating that this member or ball 28 is free'to move in any direction, it is to be understood, of course, that this should be particularly understood as beingv in a direction transversely and longitudinally of the lever 24 and in a direction therefrom.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that an automatic feed control for a carbide generator constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification Without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim 1. In a carbide generator, a carbide hopper having a discharge opening, a controlling valve for said opening, means for supporting said valve for movement toward or from the opening, means for holding the valve open until the pressure of the generator passes a predetermined degree, said means including a movable member, and a weighted member freely engaged with said movable member and having movement in any direction from its mounting on the member, said weighted member readily leaving the movable member upon undue lateral movement of the generator.

2. In a carbide generator, a carbide hopper having a discharge opening, a stem extending through the discharge opening and within the hopper, a valve carried by the stem outwardly of the discharge opening for regulating the flow through said opening, a diaphragm within the hopper operatively connected to the stem, the generator pressure acting upon the diaphragm to move the valve toward the opening, a rock lever operatively connected to the hopper and with the stern, a weighted member freely resting on the lever to resist the generator pressure upon the diaphragm until the pressure rises above a predetermined degree, said weighted member having movement in any direction from its mounting on the lever to allow said weighted member readily leaving the lever upon undue lateral movement of the generator.

3. In a carbide generator, a carbide hopper having a discharge opening, a stem extending through the discharge opening and within the hopper, a valve carried by the stem outwardly of the discharge opening for regulating the flow through said opening, a diaphragm within the hopper operatively connected to the stem, the generator pressure acting upon the diaphragm to move the valve toward the opening, a rock lever operatively connected to the hopper and with the stem, a weighted member freely resting on the lever to resist the generator pressure upon the diaphragm until the pressure rises above a predetermined degree, said weighted member having a rounded surface in contact with the lever, said lever having a concave surface in which the rounded surface of the weighted member is received.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

LESLIE M. WISE. 

